How to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Chicago with our guide to romantic restaurants, date ideas and more

The shelves at your local drugstore are stocked with heart-shaped boxes, giant stuffed animals and sappy cards for a reason: Valentine's Day is almost here. If you have a significant other, celebrate Valentine's Day in Chicago by making a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago or by getting them a big bouquet of flowers. If you're single, get together with friends at one of the best bars in Chicago for a couple of drinks—perhaps you'll strike up a conversation with a special someone. Regardless of your relationship status, there are lots of ways to make this manufactured holiday one of your favorite things to do during the winter in Chicago. Well, let’s not go that far—at the very least, you’ll survive another Valentine's Day in Chicago.

How to spend Valentine's Day in Chicago

Things to do

The best things to do on Valentine’s Day

Whether you’re single or all bae’d up, make plans for Valentine's Day.

Restaurants

The 18 most romantic restaurants in Chicago

The most romantic restaurants in Chicago crank up the heat and set the mood.

Bars

14 Chicago bars and lounges for singles

From Andersonville to Pilsen, we’ve gathered the best Chicago bars for scoring a date.

It doesn't matter if you have a significant other or not—making plans on Valentine's Day sucks. If you're single, you need to find something to distract you from all the happy couples that you're suddenly intensely aware of. If you're in a relationship,...